Spring fashion bouquet: vibrant or pastel, colors bloom for the season

Spring is in full swing, and its fashion offerings reflect the rejuvenated spirit of the season itself — florals, pastels and delicate fabrics.

This spring, there is an added dimension to the season's fashions, with an emphasis on low prices and budget-friendly updates.

According to Heather Nash, director of marketing at The Gateway in Salt Lake City, pieces that are seasonally appropriate, such as light jackets and scarves, are both trendy and affordable.

"Continuing in through spring and summer are scarves," Nash said. "They've become lighter, thinner, funner, in spring colors that people can wear around their necks and waists, and they are typically inexpensive. You can buy one for under $10."

Nash said jackets and hoodies are selling especially well for men this year, and buying tops is a wise route for those looking to save.

"You can buy jackets and tops for $25," Nash said. "The Buckle's been one of those places where you can spend $80 on up in jeans dollar-wise, but you can also buy the shirt that can go with it, it's the same brand, and it is selling for $20."

Some fashion advice never seems to go out of style. With wardrobe budgets ever-tightening, the old adage of "invest in good basics and build from there" is reaffirmed.

"Jeans are a staple," Nash said. "People should take their dollars and spend it on jeans. But, to get a bang for their buck, tops and shirts have gone down in price, jewelry can be $10, $15, $20. So buy a scarf or buy that bracelet, maybe some things women wouldn't add before."

David Hacker, vice president of trend and color for Kohl's department stores, said in an e-mail that consumers should also look to floral prints and bold jewelry for savvy spring additions.

"In addition to floral touches on everything from shoes and handbags to hair accessories, this season is all about the 'statement necklace.' This eye-catching accessory can dress up any look inexpensively and is sure to turn heads this spring."

In addition to the overt femininity of florals, Hacker said, delicate details like ruffles and pleats are being used on everything from skirts to dresses to shirts. There were also a few especially prominent colors this spring.

"Kohl's shoppers can expect to find an array of natural blues taken from tropical seas and clear skies this spring, in everything from apparel and accessories to jewelry and footwear," he said. "This season will also bring supporting colors, including peaches, corals and a range of nude tones."

In addition to vibrant blues and corals, soft yellow is also a major color highlight this season, Nash said,